Central Sector Scholarship 2025-26 for College and University Students

The Government of India is inviting online applications for the Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) for College and University students for the academic year 2025-26, both for new applicants (first year students) and in case of renewal (existing beneficiaries). This scholarship is for meritorious students from economically weaker sections who are pursuing regular degree courses (both professional and non-professional) in recognized colleges or universities. Students have to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) www.scholarships.gov.in.See below to know more about Central Sector Scholarship.

Central Sector Scholarship 2025 Rs. 12,000-20,000/-

• Scholarship of: Central Sector Scholarship
• Resident Eligible: All India
• Organized By: Government of India
• Application Start Date: 2025
• Application Last Date: 31 October 2025
• Apply Mode: Online
• Scholarship Amount: Rs. 12,000-20,000/-
• Eligible Student of: UG/ PG Degree
• Official Website: scholarships.gov.in

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Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Central Sector Scholarship 2025-26, the student must be an Indian citizen and must have passed Class 12th with at least 80% marks from a recognized board in 2025. The student must be pursuing a regular full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course from a college or university approved by AICTE or UGC. For Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the student must have an Aadhaar-linked active bank account in his/her name.

Resident:

The student must be an Indian citizen and must have passed Class 12th with at least 80% marks from a recognized board in 2025. The student must be pursuing a regular full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course from a college or university approved by AICTE or UGC. The annual income of the student's family should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh. They are eligible to apply.

Annual Family Income: 

To apply for Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) 2025-26, the student must be an Indian citizen. The annual family income of the student should not exceed Rs 4.5 lakh.

Central Sector Scholarship 2025 Amount:

• For graduate courses, the scholarship amount is Rs.12,000 per year.
• For postgraduate or professional courses, the amount is Rs.20,000 per year.

Important Rules for Scholarship Renewal Students:

• Must score at least 50% marks in the last annual exam.
• At least 75% attendance is mandatory.
• Must submit the Merit Certificate at the time of renewal.

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) Important Documents: 

The following documents must be scanned and uploaded while applying online for the Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) 2025.

• Class 12 Marksheet
• Income Certificate
• Aadhaar Card
• Photograph (passport size)
• Bank Passbook Copy (Aadhaar-linked active account in student’s name).
• Caste Certificate
• Domicile Certificate
• Bonafide Certificate from current college/institute.
• Previous Year Marksheet (for renewal applications).
• Attendance Certificate (showing minimum 75% attendance – for renewal)
• Photograph (passport size).

How to Apply for Central Sector Scholarship 2025

For Fresh Applications (1st-Year Students):

1. Go to www.scholarships.gov.in.
2. New Registration.
3. Click ‘New Registration’ and fill in
4. Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Mobile Number.
5. Aadhaar Number.
6. Bank account details (Aadhaar linked).
7. Choose Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS).
8. Login & Fill Form.
9. After registration, log in using your Application ID and password.
10. Fill out the scholarship form completely.
11. Upload Documents.
12. Upload scanned copies of.
13. Class 12 Marksheet.
14. Income Certificate
15. Caste Certificate (if applicable).
16. Aadhaar Card.
17. Bank passbook copy.
18. Review the form and submit.
19. Print Application Form:
20. Keep a printout of the submitted application for future use.

For Renewal Applications:

1. Go to www.scholarships.gov.in.
2. Click ‘Login’ under Renewal.
3. Fill Renewal Form:
4. Enter your previous year’s Application ID and password.
5. Documents Required:
6. Previous year’s marksheet (minimum 50% marks).
7. Attendance certificate (75% attendance mandatory).
8. Submit Online:

Complete the renewal form and submit online.

After applying online, filling the form and uploading the required documents, students will have to take a printout of their application form. This printed application form, along with all supporting documents, should be submitted to the concerned authority within 5 days of online submission. However, the final deadline for submission of hard copy is within 10 days from the date of online application. After submission, all documents will be physically verified.

Contact Details:

Call: 0120 6619540 
Email ID: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
Website: scholarships.gov.in

Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. Who can apply?

• Answer: Students who passed Class 12 with 80% marks in 2025, pursuing regular UG/PG courses, with family income below Rs. 4.5 lakh.

Q2. Scholarship Amount?

Answer:   

• Rs. 12,000/year for UG.
• Rs. 20,000/year for PG/professional courses.

Q3. How to apply for Central Sector Scholarship 2025?

• Answer: Apply online at scholarships.gov.in.

Q4. Renewal rules?

• Answer: 50% marks in last exam and 75% attendance required.

Q5. Last date for Central Sector Scholarship 2025?

• Answer: 31 October 2025.